Project X has an internal rate of return (IRR) of 14%. Project Y has an IRR of 17%. Both projects have conventional cash flow patterns (all inflows after the initial cash outflow). If the required rate of return is:
A.14%, the net present value (NPV) of Project Y will exceed the NPV of Project X.
B. greater than 17%, Project Y will have a shorter payback period than Project X.
C. 10%, both projects will have a positive NPV, and the NPV of Project Y will exceed the NPV of Project X.
Answer: A
Explanation: We know that at a 14% discount rate, the NPV of Project X is zero and the NPV of Project Y is greater than zero. There is no well-defined relationship between the required rate of return and ordinary payback. If Project Y is smaller in size, its NPV may be smaller than that of Project X.
From my understanding answer A or C is correct. Answer A because of the explanation given above. Answer C because a required rate of return of 10% is less than both the IRR of Project X and Project Y, thus they will both have a positive NPV. Plus, “Project Y will exceed the NPV of Project X.” because Project Y has a higher IRR than Project X. I’m guessing I’m missing something because it seems too blatant to me that both answers could be correct.